5 things to do before you get out of bed to start your day positively

Yep, that’s correct. You can ensure you start your day with a positive mindset even before you pull off your duvet and even open your eyes. Before I continue, I just want to point out that this method is by no means one that I’ve made up by myself. I’ve been reading a lot of books on mindfulness and how to bringing positivity into my life and I’ve found that there are common themes through all of them. I’ve rounded them up and selected 5 tried and tested ways that have helped me feel great when I wake up so I’m ready to face the day. For someone who refuses to talk to people for about an hour after waking because I’m THAT much of a “not a morning person”, these have worked out really well for me. What’s even better is that they take very little effort to implement into my daily routine.

1. Express gratitude – It’s so easy to forget the little things. Little things that make you laugh or smile, or even things that mean something and are significant. By thinking about your day yesterday and listing a few things that you were grateful for the day before, you really come to appreciate the things and the people in your life that make you happy.

2. Set your goals and intentions for the day – This could be things you plan to do physically like get your grocery shopping done or even just a general reminder to yourself that you intend on being productive today. Either way, setting small achievable goals are a great way to help you feel like you’re getting somewhere. Recognising and celebrating your own achievements and milestones is so important.

3. Take five long, deep breaths – Inhale the good shit and exhale the bullshit. This is my morning mantra as I do a mini meditation. Not only will this breathing exercise help to get the oxygen flowing to your brain to wake you up fully, but you’ll also help your mind to start thinking clearly. Sounds weird right? But seriously waking up without feeling sluggish makes the biggest of differences.

4. Smile – I never understood it when I would hear people say that you should smile even if you have nothing to smile about. Apparently, just flexing those muscles makes a difference. Since I’m all for trying out new things this year, I’ve given it a go and you know what it actually does make a difference. Admittedly “just flexing those muscles” didn’t just work for me, I had to smile but really feel it, smile not just with my eyes but my body. This paired with deep breathing makes me feel seriously good!

5. Forgive yourself for yesterdays mistakes – This is the tough one. Reflecting on things that could have gone better is always difficult but it’s necessary. What’s important is that you recognise what you could’ve done better but not to dwell on it. I’m emphasising on the ‘you’ because there’s not point in fretting over things that are beyond your control. If there is anything that you feel could’ve done better, then repeat steps 4, 3 and then 2, and focus on how you’ll make today an even better day than yesterday.